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Koh Rang Noi: The Phuket Private Island Alternative

For VIPs who want to get away from Phuket for an exclusive private island getaway, Koh Rang Noi has what yachters, ultra-luxe travelers, and beach lovers are craving.

For the VIPs, yachters, and ultra-luxe travelers looking to skip even the plushest resorts on Phuket proper, there is Koh Rang Noi. Yes, there are quite a few resorts on the famous party island of Thailand‘s Phuket, but Koh Rang Noi is a private island for a select few. You can buy it out for $65,000 a night or hop in one of their villas for a room to oneself. Whatever the accommodation, this tiny island is surprisingly big on hospitality.

What to expect

Not much more than a tiny dot in the expansive Andaman Sea, Koh Rang Noi is accessible only by water. Departing from the Royal Phuket Marina, the 10-minute boat ride delivers travelers to the island, the only private resort island off Phuket’s popular archipelago. Astute travelers seeking attentive hospitality and plush jungle surroundings can enjoy a secluded 10-acre retreat with three villas.

Guests will find a concierge, wait staff, chefs, and talented masseuses on the island, and those traveling with their own chef can make use of the fully equipped commercial kitchen. For a more casual do-it-yourself experience, there’s a BBQ and wet bar on the deck at the Upper Villa.

The resort also comes with two yachts, the Blue Water and the Majesty; smaller boats are available too – speedboats, hobie cats, and kayaks, along with all the toys that fill the day with extreme sport-style excitement: 15 jet skis, wakeboards, and windsurfing.

ABOVE: Aerial view of Koh Rang Noi.

Golf carts are the preferred method of transportation by land, with the island’s own 70-foot yacht being the preferred method by sea. It’s possible to rent out the entire island for a group of friends and family, making it ideal for honeymoons and reunions. Particular to this island and of special significance for large groups, there is a 43-seat theater.

The island’s greenery is the backdrop for colorful Thai murals that pay a homage to the nation’s artisans. Thai sand sculptures and traditional Thai puppets decorate the grounds with color.

Villa Breakdown

ABOVE: Great Hallway of the Seaside Villa.

The Guest Villa is nestled in the northern end of the island overlooking Phang Nga Bay. The four en-suite bedrooms, covered patio, hot tub, and private pool are all a short distance from a quiet private beach. Accommodating  smaller gatherings,the Guest Villa is completely self contained, with a comfortable dining area and an expansive, fully-equipped kitchen.

Because one can never have too many views of the island’s beaches and brilliant blue waters, each bedroom has its own private patio. While all the rooms are comfortably appointed, the biggest room offers more – it has two separate bathrooms and is spacious and secluded enough to provide complete privacy from the rest of the house. Among the array of amenities, the Upper Villa features a great room, a karaoke bar, an entertainment center, 100-foot-long infinity pool, 20-person hot tub, and a nearly 1,800-square-foot patio area.

ABOVE: Room at Koh Rang Noi.

Just off the Upper Villa’s deck is an amphitheatre overlooking s the Andaman Sea. It accommodates 300 people; ideal for weddings, honeymoons, or simply for taking in the sunset over the Koh Rang Yai and Phi Phi islands on the horizon.

The Lower Villa is almost identical to the Upper Villa, but this is where guests will find the inclusion of the games room similar to that found in a pub. There’s shuffleboard, air hockey, and table tennis, and of course, a wet bar too. Between spending time at the beach or making a home away from home on this secluded island, guests can either spend time entertaining, or enjoying drinks while relaxing in the free-form pool and hot tub.